Michael McArdle: Irish FA confirm the appointment of new manager for the Northern Ireland senior women’s team
The Irish FA have confirmed the appointment of Michael McArdle, the Scottish FA's head of elite women's football and former interim head coach of Scotland, as Tanya Oxtoby’s permanent successor as Northern Ireland’s senior women’s team manager.
Northern Ireland had been on the lookout for a new manager after Oxtoby left for Newcastle United in November last year.
Kris Lindsay had been in temporary charge for the opening two World Cup qualifying matches as Northern Ireland were beaten by Switzerland and Turkiye last week.
However, McArdle has been chosen to lead Northern Ireland forward on a permanent basis and he starts his new role on April 1.
Throughout his coaching career, the Glaswegian has held a range of positions, including head coach, interim head coach, assistant coach and academy or programme leader across elite clubs and development programmes.
Speaking about taking the job, McArdle said: "History and ambition both attracted me to this role, alongside a strong alignment of values and the challenge ahead.
“This is a group in transition, with exciting young talent developing at international level while remaining competitive. There is a good balance of experience alongside a generation of players currently breaking through, and I want to support them with the elite level structures needed to turn that potential into a consistent national standard.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the players and serving our game. International windows offer limited time together, so it will be important to maximise those moments to instil our core principles while also supporting player development between camps alongside clubs and national programmes.”
McArdle’s first game in charge will be the double-header against Malta at home on 14 and away on 18 April.
Angela Platt, Director of Women’s Football at the Irish FA, added: “We are excited to confirm this appointment and welcome Michael to the Irish FA. His leadership and knowledge of the game in Northern Ireland, alongside his proven track record in developing players, was clear throughout the recruitment process.
“We are confident he will be an excellent cultural fit for both the team and the wider association, particularly in supporting the ambitions set out in our Together We Thrive women’s and girls’ strategy. I am really looking forward to working with him."